From the depths of the ground floor, an increasingly frantic voice persistently called out, "Ava! Ava!" But alas, the resounding silence that followed was as profound as it was unyielding. After the third entreaty, a remarkably handsome young man swung the door open, revealing Ava's seemingly immovable form still ensconced beneath her oversized white blanket, her pretense of slumber expertly maintained. Yet, her façade was destined to crumble, for she was rudely jolted from her feigned slumber. Her body, cocooned on her left side under that voluminous white shroud, had been caught unawares.
In this familial drama, it was none other than Alexander, the ten-years-her-senior older brother, who chose to take matters into his own hands. With a playful yet exasperated demeanor, he hurled a golf ball toward her, accompanying it with a teasing admonishment. "Young lady, Mum's calling. Get up, will ya?" His hands found comfort in the pockets of his attire as he awaited her response, a picture of casual indifference amidst the commotion.Meanwhile, lurking in the shadows like an unseen puppeteer, Jasmine observed the unfolding spectacle with a mischievous smirk gracing her lips. Having absorbed enough of this morning's theatrics, she executed a silent exit, slipping away unnoticed as she descended the staircase. Her departure did not elude the watchful gaze of Freya, who had been anxiously anticipating Ava's emergence. Freya finally allowed herself a sigh of relief, coupled with a hint of disdain as she couldn't help but scoff. She posed the impatient inquiry, "Where is Ava? Where is she?""Don't know," Jasmine shrugged. "At her age, she should know better. I'm already late for my morning class as it is." She reached for an apple in a basket on the table, took a bite, grabbed her school bag, and made her way outside.Meanwhile, Alexander, still attempting to get his younger sister out of bed, was puzzled by Ava's sudden change in behavior. He was walking towards Ava's bed when Chloe handed him his ringing phone. He paused and glanced at the urgent call, sighing, "I can't believe this." He then left the room to attend to the call.Chloe, left alone, took it upon herself to clean Ava's room. But her task was interrupted when Ava suddenly stood up from her bed, grabbed a hoodie from her wardrobe, picked up her AirPods Max from the desk, and hurriedly left. Startled, all Chloe could manage to say was, "Ava?" as she stood there, stunned by the unexpected turn of events.As Ava hastily left, she put on her headphones and pulled her hoodie over her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she noticed her mum, but almost ignored her, not stopping her pace. Freya couldn't hold back and yelled, "You haven't gotten dressed yet?! Goodness! Do you have any idea of what it takes to be privileged enough to get enrolled into such an expensive school?" Ava stood there, quiet and holding back her tears, but Freya continued, "Go back to your room and get dressed! You are definitely sitting for your test today!"Not heeding Freya's command, Ava walked away, disturbed by everything that was going on inside her. Something was tearing her apart, but nobody seemed to pay any attention. She made her way to the gate, tears still rolling down her cheeks. The compound was vast, and it would take her about five minutes to walk to the exit. Alternatively, a car would only need three minutes to leave the grand mansion of the Waltons.Meanwhile, Jasmine was losing patience, getting angry at Ava's apparent lack of tact. She pressed the car's horn continuously to get her mother's attention, but as she saw Ava storming out of the compound, she was amazed by her little sister's behavior. Jasmine noticed Freya walking towards the car, irritated and ready to drive her off to school. Giving up on the horn, Jasmine let out a scoff.Freya got into the car and stepped on the gas pedal, speeding towards Ava. Jasmine, trying to collect her thoughts, asked, "Mum, what's going on?". Freya, was still focused and visibly upset, when Jasmine continued , "Christ's sake, what is going on? What's wrong with everyone today? The heck!" The tension in the car was palpable. Freya hit the brakes, turning to Jasmine, and spoke in a hot temper, "Don't you ever dare use that tone on me again, woman!" Jasmine felt stung by her mother's sharp words and turned her face towards the window, wearing a frown.As the car approached Ava, Freya rolled down the window and pressed the horn, signaling for Ava to stop walking. However, Ava refused to even look at her mother. Freya yelled, "Ava! Get into the car!" but Ava replied tearfully, "Mum, I can't. I just can't.""You can't? You have a test to write today, and you can't?" Freya exclaimed. Ava remained quiet but continued walking, now at a faster pace. Freya tried to drive slowly beside her, urging her to talk, "If you have a problem, talk to me. I'm your mother, and I care for you, Ava. Can we talk about this...?"Ava cut in, "I just can't! I just can't, okay?! I didn't study. I am not prepared to sit for the test. I'm just going to fail and embarrass myself in front of everyone. I can't take the test." With that, Ava ran off, leaving Freya sighing, feeling lost about what was going on in her daughter's mind. She was deeply worried and honked at Ava for the last time as she watched her daughter run away.Giving up, Freya mumbled, "Teenagers are so difficult," and turned to look at Jasmine, who had thrown her face towards the window, quietly chewing her apple. Freya finally resolved to drive her daughter to school, hoping to find a way to understand and help her through whatever struggles she was facing.On leaving the house, Ava was crying her eyes out and kept on running with loud music playing in her headphones. After the phone call, Alexander returned to Ava's room to find only Chloe there, cleaning. Chloe noticed he was looking around, speculating to see Ava, and mentioned, "She went for a walk.""And Madame?" he asked."She is off already," Chloe replied. He paused for a while, nodded, and left.Three years ago:Ava looked out the window, smiling broadly while feeling the fresh breeze. She closed her eyes, finding calmness within herself, as the car rode on, enjoying upbeat music through her AirPods Max. Jasmine sat beside her and texted her friend about their location. Their personal driver asked, "Ma'am, where are we going today?"Jasmine received a notification at 2:00 p.m sharp, "Come to the pool." She then replied, "Nearest pool, please." Upon arriving at the location, Ava took off her headphones, and the two sisters, dressed in stylish and expensive clothes, approached the venue. Kylie screamed, "Jasmine!" and ran to hug her, smiling at Ava. "My God, Ava looks so grown now. I'm so jealous that she is almost taller than me," Kylie playfully flipped her hair and smiled.Ava took her cousin's joke lightly, saying, "Uh, Christ! It's not that serious, Kylie”. Kylie, being the same age but three months older than Jasmine, introduced her friends and cousins to each other, all of whom were of the same caliber. They were led into the dressing room to change into their swimsuits. Sitting by the poolside, Jasmine asked, "What's the occasion, Kylie? Let the cat out of the bag already."Kylie, submerged in the pool, surfaced, and Ava insisted, "Yes, Kylie, let's hear it." Kylie's friends, also in the pool, chanted together, clapping, "Let's hear it! Let's hear it!" Ava and Jasmine joined in the excitement. Finally, Kylie revealed, "You remember Brian, my crush for about five years... (giggled) I proposed... and... he said... yes!!!""Whoa, Kylie, are you serious?" Jasmine exclaimed, stunned. "This is awesome! I'm so happy for you!""And I'm so happy for you, since you'll be leaving us to study abroad... and not until you get into the water," Kylie playfully dragged Jasmine into the pool. Her other friends joined in, cheering, "Let's celebrate and be merry!" as they swam and had fun."Kylie, congratulations!" Ava called back, smiling. Kylie returned the smile and said, "You're next." Ava scoffed playfully with her legs in the water, but Kylie assured her, "Trust me," and swam off, leaving Ava to smile and sip juice by the pool, enjoying the merry atmosphere and conversations.Later, as they emerged from the refreshing embrace of the pool, their sun-kissed bodies glistening with droplets of water, Ava, driven by an adventurous impulse that had always simmered within her, decided to venture back into the cerulean expanse despite harboring the knowledge that she was not a strong swimmer. With each step toward the water's edge, she could feel the anticipation and trepidation mingling within her like a dance of fire and ice.Once she immersed herself in the water, Ava attempted to mimic the graceful strokes of a seasoned swimmer, her arms slicing through the liquid medium. Yet, as she ventured further from the pool's edge and the reassuring safety of shallower waters, her confidence began to wane, gradually transforming into a chilling realization that she was in over her head—literally. Panic gripped her as the pool's center seemed to stretch endlessly before her, a vast expanse of liquid uncertainty.In the throes of a desperate struggle, Ava's valiant efforts to stay afloat ultimately faltered, and the cold embrace of the water began to close around her, its relentless grasp pulling her down into the depths. In the midst of choking gasps and frantic flails, she unleashed a heart-wrenching scream for salvation, a cry that pierced the air with the sheer terror of impending doom.But in the nick of time, like a guardian angel summoned by her desperate plea, a fine gentleman, spurred by instinct and a nobl
The air from outside blew through the opened windows and the hanging curtains, heightening Ava's tension. Shaking, she slowly walked to the table to pick up her phone, which had stopped vibrating for a moment. She paused, feeling the cold air passing through the window and giving her goosebumps. As the phone started vibrating again, she mustered the courage to answer the call, curious to know who the caller might be."The first thing the caller said was 'Ava,'" and she replied, "Yes, this is her." Suspense filled the air as she awaited the caller's identity. The caller introduced himself, "I am Ethan..." Ava softly repeated his name, trying to remember where she had heard it before. "The lifeguard who helped you out of the pool earlier today," he explained. There was no response from Ava.Ethan continued, trying to break the awkward silence, "Err... how are you feeling now?" Again, Ava remained silent, still processing the situation. Ethan then revealed, "Actually, errm... Kylie gave
Presently~~Ava returned home from the drug store and hurriedly entered her room, wearing a serious expression. Along the way, she encountered Chloe and asked, "...Alexander?" Chloe informed , "Already off to the office. Sir says you should have breakfast... on the table." Ava had already left without giving Chloe the chance to finish.In her room, Ava took a cold bath and searched until she found it—a beautiful ring safely kept in a yellow file. She wore it on her ring finger and took her antidepressant looking into a mirror hanging on the wall in her room. After doing her makeup and dressing elegantly, despite being only nineteen, she grabbed the file and the car keys. On her way out, Chloe spotted her and asked, "Where to, miss?" Ava, a spoiled rich child, retorted, "None of your business," and drove off.Arriving at the tall building labeled "Miller's Corp," she was screened by security before entering. Walking with confidence, she was stopped by a secretary who inquired, "Who are
His apology, though genuine, seemed insufficient to breach the wall of Ava's silence. Her initial response, marked by a profound sense of disgust, was a testament to the turmoil that had been festering within her. Ava, her emotions a tempestuous sea of resentment and frustration, remained silent for a moment, her anger simmering beneath the surface like a dormant volcano. It was a silence that bore the weight of unspoken accusations and grievances, a silence that seemed to stretch on indefinitely.But then, as if a dam had burst within her, Ava could no longer contain the tempest of emotions that raged within. Her anger, a seething tempest that had been held in check for too long, demanded release, and she vented her frustration with a violent strike against the table before her. The cafeteria, once a backdrop of casual conversations and lunchtime gatherings, was abruptly transformed into a theater of raw emotion and confrontation as Ava's voice rose to a crescendo, her words a torren
Lily called her softly, and Ava replied with a forced smile. Lily insisted, "Look at me." Ava tried to avoid looking at her and claimed she was busy. Lily turned off the tap and gently turned Ava's face toward her, saying, "I'm sorry you had to go through that." Ava pretended to laugh and said, "Really, Lily! What's this now! Trust me, I'm fine. It's already passed, so I guess I'm over it now..."Not letting Ava continue talking, Lily hugged her tightly. Behind Lily's back, Ava finally let her tears flow freely.The bell rang for classes, and as Ava was taking some notes out of her locker, a girl in school who despised her fixed her eyes on Ava. In a spiteful move, the girl hurriedly walked, intentionally placing her leg in Ava's way, causing her to trip and fall to the floor. Proud of her action, the girl grinned and said, "Oopsies. Sorry, watch where you are going next time.So you don’t trip."A student who witnessed the incident commented, "Maybe she's all in her head again." Anoth
"Congratulations, dear fellow graduates, on attaining this remarkable milestone that signifies both an end and a new beginning. Let us forge ahead, embracing perpetual learning, catalyzing innovation, and embodying unwavering integrity in every facet of our lives. While the road ahead may be interspersed with challenges, together, united by our shared determination and aspirations, we possess the capacity to shape a future that echoes with the resounding success of our collective journey."With heartfelt gratitude, Leon concluded his address.Subsequent to the ceremony, a charming young woman named Alessia enveloped Leon in a heartfelt embrace, whispering, "I'm profoundly proud of us." Responding with a bashful grin, Leon's emotions radiated warmth, a silent acknowledgment of their shared journey. The jubilant atmosphere enveloped them as fellow graduates jubilantly tossed their caps into the sky, a collective celebration of their accomplishments.One serene afternoon, draped in casua
Two years ago:In a scene tinged with an unspoken humility, Jasmine mustered the courage to visit Ava's room, her pride momentarily set aside in the pursuit of a simple favor. "Could I possibly borrow your laptop? Mine seems to be experiencing some technical issues," Jasmine inquired, her request met with an agreeable nod from Ava. As Jasmine retrieved the laptop and turned to leave, Ava's curiosity prompted her to pose an unexpected query, "Jasmine, by any chance, are you familiar with the name Leon Miller or anyone associated with Miller High?"Pausing thoughtfully before responding, Jasmine emitted a scoff before stating, "Girl, I'm certainly not on the payroll of someone like Leon Miller," before departing, leaving Ava to ponder the enigmatic connection between the school and the mentioned individual.Later that day, the playfulness of Rierie interrupted Ava's thoughts of Leon, briefly drawing her attention away. The fleeting interaction provided a temporary reprieve from the intr
Despite her heart's frenetic pace, Ava managed to muster a response, a breathless "Hey" escaping her lips. As she turned to meet his gaze, time seemed to suspend, her world narrowing to the enigmatic Leon Miller. But just as anticipation thickened the air, he released his hold, leaving Ava both startled and longing for more, the weight of his presence lingering as he returned to his seat.This was because,as the game unfolded, he found himself unable to persist, his resolve faltering in the face of a truth he couldn't ignore—her appearance seemed strikingly youthful, a mismatch for his expectations within the context of the game.Acknowledging his defeat in the game, Leon offered a resigned smile, conceding, "You won." The audacious lady, not one to miss an opportunity, teased him further, her fingers playing with the fabric of his tie as she declared, "For your loss, I demand all the riches you possess." Leon's own grin mirrored her playfulness as he replied, "Done," a promise exchang
A month ago:As I stand here, silently observing the world as it continues to turn around me, a profound and a somber ache takes root in the depths of my chest. Each passing moment serves as a stark reminder of the stark contrast between their lives and mine. They stride through their days unburdened, pursuing their aspirations with a sense of freedom that eludes me. Meanwhile, I find myself ensnared within the confines of a reality that I never wished for nor chose.“Every day, the yearning within me intensifies, an insatiable hunger for something more. I long to shatter the shackles that my family's expectations have placed upon me. I burn with the desire to chase my passions, to venture into unexplored territories, and to infuse vitality into the dreams that haunt my restless nights. Yet, every step I take seems like a battle, an unending struggle against the oppressive weight of their demands and the chains of tradition that bind me,” I reflect, my thoughts continuing to echo in t
As the layers between them fell away, Leon's gaze traveled over the contours of her body, a smoldering intensity that seemed to set her aflame. "Take off your heels," he ordered, the words punctuated by his gaze that held her captive. With each action, Ava's daring seemed to grow, an unwavering assertion of her presence and her desire.Finally, the moment arrived, an apex of audacity and vulnerability that neither of them could escape. "Take everything off." The command, issued with a mixture of command and curiosity, hung in the air like a challenge that Ava met with a resolute gaze. She stared into his eyes, a silent understanding passing between them, a recognition that they were both testing the boundaries of their attraction.And then, as fabric fell to the floor and inhibitions were stripped away, a silence descended, heavy with unspoken desire. Leon's closeness was intoxicating, his scent mingling with the charged air that enveloped them. Ava's heart raced, the thudding rhythm
As she ventured further, the silence of the mansion's interior seemed to envelop her, the grandeur of the surroundings both captivating and imposing. Her gaze roved, searching for the man who had effortlessly dominated her thoughts, her emotions inextricably linked to his enigmatic presence.In the dimly lit expanse of the mansion, Leon's movements remained unhurried as he poured himself a drink, the liquid glinting in the ambient light. Although his posture was seemingly nonchalant, his senses were attuned to the slightest shift in the environment. He sensed Ava's presence, her arrival a palpable shift in the air, even before she had made herself known. His voice, rich and layered, broke the silence with an observation that echoed his own intrigue. "You are one brave kid, aren't you?" The words, laced with a mixture of amusement and curiosity, seemed to hang in the air like a challenge.With each step that brought him closer to her, the layers of mystery that shrouded him seemed to d
Ava met his gaze, her eyes steadfast and resolute. "I want to get to know you better," she confessed, her words carrying the weight of her determination. With a half-smile that revealed a touch of enigma, Leon responded, "Be careful what you wish for.... It will cost you."The words hung in the air, a subtle challenge that resonated with the promises and mysteries that had woven their paths together. The masked ball had become more than an event; it was a turning point, a juncture where their worlds converged and diverged, each step they took on the dance floor reflective of the journey that lay ahead.Drawing on her own well of courage, Ava took the initiative, flipping the script as her curiosity drove her to voice the question that had lingered in the recesses of her thoughts. With a steadiness that belied the racing of her heart, she inquired, her unwavering gaze fixed upon him, "Why did you agree to go out with me?" The weight of her query hung in the air, a palpable undercurren
There he stood, clad in a manner that effortlessly exuded charm and authority. It was as if time itself paused, allowing her to take in the sight before her. The man who had captured her thoughts and ignited her curiosity was now standing before her, a living embodiment of her dreams. As their eyes met, a palpable connection formed — an unspoken understanding that held promises yet to be revealed.In that fleeting moment, Ava's nervousness was replaced by a sense of wonder, and the discomfort she had felt vanished in the wake of his presence. The ambiance of the event now seemed to bend and mold itself around them, cocooning them in a world of intrigue and possibility. With his words still hanging in the air, they were poised at the precipice of an encounter that would forever alter the course of their destinies.A month ago :Positioning himself gracefully before Ava, Leon donned a coy smile that exuded an irresistible allure, a beguiling charm that effortlessly seized her undivided
In this intricate web of longing and uncertainty, the world had taken on an ephemeral quality, reduced to a backdrop for her yearning. Time flowed with the pulse of notifications, and each ding, each buzz, carried the potential to shift her reality. As the days melded into nights and then back into days, Ava's existence became intertwined with the device that held the key to a door she desperately wished to open.Her phone, once a constant companion and harbinger of anticipation, became a weight in her hand. The persistent staring yielded to a sense of resignation, a realization that the insistent vigilance was claiming too much of her mental real estate. The hope she held onto like a fragile flame was gradually extinguished by the relentless passage of time.It was in the midst of one such early midday, as the sun stretched its rays across the sky, that the familiar ringtone pierced the air. The screen flickered with an unknown number, a digitized beacon in the sea of uncertainty. Un
Lena, an indispensable ally whose insights had often proven invaluable, was poised as always. Her inquiries flowed seamlessly, a verbal dance that traversed from the envelope in question to the curiosity that danced in her eyes. Her query, a gentle probe into his intentions, hung in the air, awaiting his response. Leon, his demeanor a mixture of bemusement and seriousness, shook his head in response to her question. The envelope, a mystery shrouded in paper and ink, remained untouched, a silent challenge that dared him to explore its depths.A cup of coffee, freshly brewed and still exuding its warmth, found its way into his hands, an offering from Lena that carried more than just caffeinated comfort. Her conviction, evident in both the beverage and her words, spoke to the urgency of the matter at hand. She nudged him, metaphorically and literally, with the truth that opportunities seldom knocked twice. As she left the room, the weight of her suggestion lingered, the envelope now a ta
Lena, a steadfast presence in his world, met his gaze with an air of professional composure. She presented herself with a grace that mirrored the poise of the surroundings. In her hands lay not only the envelope that Ava had entrusted to her, but also the knowledge of Ava's resolute pursuit to communicate something of great importance to him.Her reply was measured, laced with the familiarity that came from years of working closely with him. "I have something for you," she began, her words carrying a sense of significance that hung in the air like a delicate thread. The atmosphere in the room seemed to shift, the weight of their shared history underscoring every word.Lena gracefully extended the envelope toward him, her movements measured and purposeful. "To give you this," she stated, her voice carrying a mixture of formality and intrigue. The weight of the envelope seemed to embody the young girl's determination, and as it exchanged hands, it symbolized an unexpected connection tha
Ava's initial confidence wavered in the face of Lena's guarded response, but her resolve remained steadfast. Though met with skepticism and resistance, Ava was not deterred. The weight of her purpose bore down upon her, a reminder of the urgency that had driven her to Miller's Corp in the first place. She steeled herself against the nonchalance and the challenges she encountered, knowing that the answers she sought were nestled within the walls of this corporate labyrinth.In that charged encounter, Ava's journey intersected with Lena's, two women whose paths collided against the backdrop of a bustling corporate landscape. With every fiber of her being, Ava was committed to breaking through the barriers and unearthing the truth that lay dormant within this realm of suits and secrecy. The way forward might be fraught with obstacles, but Ava's determination to unravel the mysteries that bound her fate was unyielding, as resolute as the beating heart of the bustling corporation itself.A